THE BEST IN BEAUTY FROM THOSE WHO KNOW BEST

VIOLET GREY began with our search for the best eyelash curler. To find the answer, we formed a band of inside-Hollywood experts and editors — from makeup artists to movie stars — to test every eyelash curler against our rigorous set of standards (the VIOLET CODE). We tested on film sets, on red carpets, and in the back of Jack Nicholson’s limousine — and once we learned which curler would make our lashes curve and not crimp (Utowa, it’s from Japan), we moved on to mascara, lip stain, dry shampoo, and everything else a girl needs in her cosmetic wardrobe. On any given day, we are discovering, testing, and approving best-in-class beauty. The result is a discerning curation of products, tips, and inspiration deemed essential — the Industry’s Beauty Edit.

HOW TO FAKEPERFECT SKIN

No one does skin quite like makeup artist and Westman Atelier founder Gucci Westman: impeccable but imperceptible. Her signature fresh-faced look has been a highlight of her twenty-plus years in the industry, so it’s little wonder that when Hollywood A-listers want to look flawless, they call Gucci. Fortunately for the rest of us, the makeup artist has distilled her expertise into forgiving formulas that she swears can be applied intuitively with fingers, a brush, and aplomb. For a (foolproof) lesson on looking flawless, we invited Gucci and actress Sara Foster to our VIOLET GREY boutique to demonstrate the guru’s tried-and-true techniques and showcase her easy-to-use products.

“[Gucci] was actually the first makeup artist to ever do my makeup. I was fifteen years old,” reveals actress Sara Foster. Today the duo describe themselves as moms who are just trying to “keep it all together and stay young-looking without looking crazy.” Or, as Sara puts it, “I just want to look fresh but not like ‘Oh my gosh, she has no makeup on!’ You know, the look.”

Watch the full master class to see how the artist helps Sara achieve that look.

FAKE IT
LIKE A PRO

“I wanted to start with a complexion concept because I’m mostly known for skin in the industry,” reveals the makeup artist. Gucci recommends using at least two shades of foundation, “In our skin, we have so many different tones, and I don’t like to ever make women look like they are covered in foundation. I like it to look like you don’t have any foundation.”

“We have four blush colors that can be used on lips, eyes, and cheeks,” says the artist. “I use my fingers but you can go right from the stick to the skin.” Use a single shade or mix multiples like Gucci for a little more of a pop.

“The contour stick is super easy. You just don’t want to go too far down.” For the Face Trace Contour Stick, use fingers or apply to skin straight from the bullet and blend upwards. “There are no mistakes,” says Gucci.

For a “finishing touch” Gucci uses the line’s powder bronzer on Sara. “I have no mascara, I have no liner, I have no lipstick,” says the actress, “and I would totally go to an event where someone is taking my picture or, like, also Instagram.”